When the crisp autumn air begins to wrap around us, I find myself yearning for something warm and comforting—like a slice of traditional figgy pudding. This delightful British dessert, often hailed as a holiday classic, emerges from the oven bubbling and golden, filling my kitchen with the irresistible aroma of cinnamon and ginger. Unlike lighter cakes, figgy pudding presents a dense texture that’s rich with dried fruits and warming spices, coaxing everyone to gather around the table. What I love most about this recipe is its make-ahead nature, allowing me to enjoy the festive season without stressing over last-minute baking. Whether you serve it with a drizzle of luscious brandy hard sauce or a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream, this indulgent treat is bound to impress guests and family alike. So, let’s embark on this cozy cooking journey together and bring a slice of tradition to your holiday celebrations!

Why is Figgy Pudding a Holiday Favorite?

Comforting warmth: This delightful pudding fills your home with the cozy aroma of cinnamon and ginger, instantly creating a festive atmosphere.
Make-ahead magic: Prepare it in advance to relish its flavors that deepen over time, making your holiday stress-free.
Rich, delightful texture: The dense, moist interior offers a unique experience, perfectly complementing a creamy brandy hard sauce or ice cream.
Crowd-pleaser: Impress your guests with a traditional dessert that resonates with nostalgia and joy.
Versatile variations: Customize it with different dried fruits or nuts to suit any palate, ensuring everyone at the table enjoys a taste of comfort.
Let this seasonal favorite make your gatherings unforgettable!

Figgy Pudding Ingredients

• To create the perfect figgy pudding, gather these essential ingredients!

For the Batter

Butter (divided) – Adds essential moisture and richness; use unsalted butter for better flavor control.
All-purpose flour – Provides structure; ensure the Bundt pan is well-coated to avoid sticking.
Buttermilk – Infuses moisture and a slight tang; if unavailable, mix regular milk with lemon juice.
Dried figs – Contributes natural sweetness and delightful texture; you can substitute with prunes or raisins, if desired.
Dried dates – Adds extra sweetness and chewy goodness; feel free to experiment with other dried fruits.
Baking powder – This leavening agent helps the pudding rise; make sure it’s fresh for optimal results.
Ground cinnamon, ginger, cloves – These warming spices provide depth of flavor; adjust to your spice preference for a custom touch.
Kosher salt – Enhances the flavors perfectly; any type of salt works, or you can omit it for a low-sodium version.
Eggs – Act as the binding agent; room temperature eggs mix in better for a smooth batter.
Granulated sugar – Sweetens the dessert; reducing it may affect texture, so keep balance in mind.
Plain breadcrumbs – Adds texture and absorbs moisture; consider gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-friendly alternative.
Cooking spray – Prevents sticking in the Bundt pan, ensuring easy release.
Ice cream (optional) – A creamy companion that elevates your serving experience—unforgettable when paired with warm pudding!

How to Make Figgy Pudding

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350ºF (175ºC) and prepare your Bundt pan by brushing it with butter and dusting it with flour to keep the pudding from sticking.
Warm the Buttermilk: In a small saucepan, gently warm the buttermilk together with the chopped dates and figs until it’s steaming, then allow the mixture to cool slightly.
Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and kosher salt. Set this dry mixture aside for later.
Process the Fruit Mixture: Using a food processor, blend the cooled buttermilk mixture until it becomes smooth, capturing all the delicious flavors together.
Combine Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, beat the eggs, then stir in the blended buttermilk mixture. Gradually add the melted butter, mixing thoroughly.
Fold in the Dry Mix: Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding gently until just combined; be careful not to overmix, as this helps keep the pudding tender.
Bake the Pudding: Pour the batter into your prepared Bundt pan, cover it with greased foil, and bake for about 70 minutes. It’s done when the edges pull away and a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool: Let the pudding cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Make the Hard Sauce: While it’s cooling, prepare your brandy hard sauce by creaming together butter and confectioners’ sugar. After it’s light and fluffy, mix in the brandy until you reach a smooth consistency.

Optional: Serve warm with a generous drizzle of hard sauce for a delightful touch.

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Expert Tips for Figgy Pudding

Pan Preparation: Thoroughly grease and flour your Bundt pan. This is crucial to prevent your figgy pudding from sticking and ensure a smooth release.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Use room temperature buttermilk and eggs. They incorporate better into the batter, creating a more uniform texture and flavor.
Mind the Mixing: Fold in the dry ingredients gently until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a denser pudding, which we want to avoid for the perfect moist figgy pudding.
Check for Doneness: Start checking your pudding around the 60-minute mark. Baking too long can dry it out, so a toothpick should come out clean but not overly dry.
Cool Properly: Let the pudding cool for 10 minutes in the pan before inverting it. This helps retain moisture and keeps the pudding intact as you serve.

Storage Tips for Figgy Pudding

Room Temperature: Store your figgy pudding in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This allows the flavors to fully develop and provide a delightful experience.

Fridge: If you need a longer storage solution, refrigerate your pudding wrapped in plastic wrap. Enjoy it within a week for the best taste and texture.

Freezer: Wrap the cooled figgy pudding tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating: To enjoy your figgy pudding warm, slice and place it in a microwave-safe dish. Heat in the microwave for 15-30 seconds until warm, depending on serving size. Drizzle with brandy hard sauce for a comforting touch!

Figgy Pudding Variations

Feel free to unleash your creativity and customize this delicious recipe with these fun variations!

Dried Fruit Medley: Substitute dried figs and dates with a mix of cranberries, apricots, or dried cherries for a festive twist.
Nutty Crunch: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch that complements the pudding’s soft texture.
Rum Hard Sauce: Swap brandy for dark rum in your hard sauce to infuse a warm, tropical flair that dances on the palate.
Spiced Apple Twist: Incorporate grated apple into the batter for a fresh burst of flavor and added moisture.
Vegan-Friendly: Replace eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water and use plant-based butter plus almond milk for a vegan alternative.
Syrupy Drizzle: Top your pudding with a warm maple syrup instead of hard sauce for a sweet touch that’s sure to please.
Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend and breadcrumbs to make this delightful dessert suitable for gluten-sensitive guests.
Choco-Fruit Fusion: Add chocolate chips or chunks for a decadent chocolate twist that pairs beautifully with the fruitiness of the pudding.

Let your imagination run wild and make this traditional figgy pudding your own!

What to Serve with Figgy Pudding?

Pairing this delightful dessert with some complementary dishes elevates your dining experience to a festive celebration.

Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy richness of vanilla ice cream balances the pudding’s dense texture and complements its sweet spices beautifully.
Brandy Hard Sauce: This decadent sauce adds an extra layer of flavor with its warm, boozy notes, enhancing the figgy pudding’s fruitiness. It’s a classic pairing that’s irresistible!
Spiced Apples: Warm spiced apples bring a pop of freshness and acidity, cutting through the pudding’s richness while harmonizing with the warming spices in the dessert.
Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy whipped cream serves as a lovely contrast, adding a smooth, airy element to each slice of figgy pudding.
Roasted Nuts: Crunchy roasted nuts provide a delightful texture variation, and their toasty flavor complements the dessert’s sweet notes remarkably well.
Mulled Wine: A glass of warm mulled wine, brimming with spices and citrus, enhances the holiday ambiance and pairs perfectly with the deep flavors of figgy pudding.
Chocolate Espresso Cake: For those seeking a rich addition, a slice of dark chocolate cake offers an indulgent experience that pairs wonderfully with the pudding while introducing a surprising contrast.
Fresh Berries: A scattering of fresh berries adds a bright, tart contrast, lifting the flavors of the pudding and introducing a refreshing burst of color to the plate.
Chai Tea: Sipping on a warm cup of spiced chai enhances the cozy atmosphere, grounding the meal in comforting, aromatic flavors that echo the pudding’s spices.

Make Ahead Options

These figgy pudding delights are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the holiday rush! You can prepare the batter up to 24 hours in advance by mixing together all the wet and dry ingredients, then refrigerate the mixture for the best flavor development. When ready to bake, simply pour the chilled batter into the prepared Bundt pan and allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking. Additionally, figgy pudding can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, and it actually improves in flavor after a day or two. Just reheat slices gently in the oven or microwave, and serve warm with your brandy hard sauce! Enjoy stress-free, indulgent dessert moments this holiday season!

Figgy Pudding Recipe FAQs

What kind of figs should I use for figgy pudding?
Absolutely! When selecting dried figs, look for those that are plump and fragrant, without any dark spots all over. Freshness is key, so pick figs that are soft to the touch but not overly mushy. If figs aren’t available, you can easily substitute with prunes or raisins, which will still add that delightful sweetness.

How should I store leftover figgy pudding?
Very! You can store leftover figgy pudding in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If kept in the fridge, it can last a week wrapped tightly in plastic wrap. Do note that the flavors enhance after a day or two, so it’s a great make-ahead dessert!

Can I freeze figgy pudding?
Absolutely! To freeze figgy pudding, first allow it to cool completely. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, and reheat it before serving.

What if my figgy pudding turns out too dense or dry?
Don’t worry! If your figgy pudding ends up denser than expected, it may be due to overmixing the batter. To prevent dry pudding, start checking for doneness around the 60-minute mark. A toothpick should come out clean without any wet batter. If it’s already dry, serving it warm with a generous drizzle of hard sauce or a scoop of ice cream can help offset that texture.

Can I make figgy pudding gluten-free?
Absolutely! To create a gluten-free version of figgy pudding, simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend and use gluten-free breadcrumbs in place of regular ones. This way, you can enjoy the same delicious flavors without worrying about gluten.

Is figgy pudding suitable for pets?
It’s important to note that while figgy pudding features natural ingredients, some components like sugar and certain spices (like nutmeg) can be harmful to pets. Always avoid sharing sweets or rich desserts with your furry friends to keep them safe and healthy!